Gardai have launched an investigation into the early-morning blaze
A fire which broke out in the early hours of Wednesday morning caused extensive damage to Scut Fagan’s Pub in Moynalvey, Co. Meath
The owners of an historic 150-year-old pub in Co Meath has vowed “we’ll go again” after it suffered extensive damage in a fire earlier this week.
Members of the Meath County Fire Service rushed to the scene following reports of a large blaze at Scut Fagan’s Pub in Moynalvey in the early hours of New Year’s Eve.
Fire units from Trim, Navan, Kells and Ashbourne worked to bring the blaze under control after the alarm was raised at around 5am on Wednesday. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported, although substantial damage was caused to the premises in the fire.
The cause of the large blaze is unknown at this time and a technical examination of the scene has been carried out.
Scut Fagan’s has long been a fixture in Moynalvey and was featured in the Oscar-nominated Irish-language film An Cailín Ciúin.
Local Fine Gael Councillor Noel French said Scut Fagan’s was “a huge feature of the community”, adding that it was “more than a pub” to locals in Moynalvey.
He said: “It meant a great deal to not just locals, but visitors and tourists who came to it from far afield.
“It was a unique place and I’m sad to hear this on the eve of a New Year, what should have been one of the busiest nights for the industry.”
The owners of the iconic pub have vowed that they will open once again following the devastating blaze.
In a message shared on social media, they wrote: “A lot can change on a Wednesday morning… we will go again.”
The owners of Scut Fagan’s shared an image showing the damage the blaze caused to the pub
The post was met with an outpouring of support from customers who shared happy memories from their time visiting the iconic boozer and wished the owners the best as they work to reopen the pub.
“John & Beth-Ann, we are all so sad this happened,” one person said. “The Moynalvey flag still standing seems very symbolic and I’ve no doubt everyone will rally behind you to start again. Thinking of you.”
Another person added: “That’s the spirit. It is very sad looking at the little piece heaven with so many great memories and so much history like that. I don’t think ye will be stuck for help with the great community spirit around that area.”
While a third said: “So sorry to hear this. It’s terrible news but I’m sure the spirit of the pub will return. Best of luck to you all on the rebuild and the celebrations that will follow the reopening.”
Gardai have confirmed that they have launched an investigation into the early-morning blaze.
“Gardai and emergency services attended the scene of a fire at a commercial property at Moynalvey, Co Meath, at around 5:15am on 31st December 2025,” a garda spokesperson said in a statement.
“The fire was extinguished by the fire services.
“No injuries reported at this time. Enquiries are ongoing.”
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